As I read our Gospel text relating Jesus’ prayer on the eve  

of his trial and death,

I picture Jesus on his knees,  

or perhaps better with arms wide outstretched looking up to heaven,  

maybe like the painting we have of Jesus ascending  

on our upper chancel back wall.  

If it were like in a movie,  

there...

God’s gifts are true gifts, 

no matter how undeserving we are.

God’s gifts come with no conditions, and are freely bestowed.

When we are on our knees, and praying: “Jesus, help me!”, 

we are asking for Jesus to come to us, show his presence to us, comfort us,

and stand with us in our hour of despair.

Jesus may show us his scars too, 

to demonstrate that he knows our pain, and understands our suffering,

Good Friday

The Passion of Our Lord according to the Gospel of John

What events and life circumstances have impacted you most in your life?

Often we hear people say:

I remember where I was here when …..

People often remember vividly where they were and who they were with when a major event occurs, both good and not so good.  

...

It’s almost as if you get a sense of whiplash, the focus is shifting so quickly. But in a way the speed at which events change mirrors that final week of Jesus’s life.For three years, Jesus’ ministry proceeded, with its ups and its downs, some highlights, some conflicts, but overall relatively peaceful and without major incident.

But suddenly, in Jesus’ last week, his 150th week of his divine ministry, every day is a major event, as the showdown in Jerusalem at the Great Feast of the Passover comes to a head.

Anything no matter how good, can be a replacement for God if it’s what we trust or rely on most. 

A god can be something that we’re proud of.

Who is your god, is it your net worth, your spouse, 

your kids, cottage or job?

Paul is alerting us to a paradigm shift, 

a complete change in worldview that occurs in Christians.

What’s old is now new,

It’s like the old model is exchanged for the new model.

It’s a miracle really.

The Christian life is like starting over, turning over a new leaf,

A bright new morning, fresh with new possibilities.

So what is this divine water that God promises?

What is this offer from Jesus, the ever-flowing fountain?

God promises divine compassion,

A gift of love and life.

God promises to refresh us, to provide an Oasis, a Sanctuary for our souls.

God pledges us rest and he will remove our burdens.

We can let it go, release our load into the tender, merciful arms of our God.

God calls us by our name, and calls us God’s child.

We are granted a glimpse of hope,

Of Everlasting life, an assurance that death is not the end,

That trauma is not the end, 

that exhaustion is not the end.

I challenge you:

This month: watch a film made by a Black director 

or with a predominantly black cast,

Or

Read a book by a Black author

Or

Read about one aspect of Black culture or history.

Join me in donating to a local Black community organization, such as the Canadian Caribbean Association of Waterloo Region, 

The African Community Wellness Initiative 

or the Black Youth Helpline.

I’ve had it. This is not sustainable. We’ve put in our 10 000 hours to make us quote unquote experts, but we have nothing to show for it. How are we suppose to live if we can’t catch any fish to feed our people? Only one fish, if you count that one that minnow. Look at those empty nets and we’ve been fishing all night....